L'Ecurie, Le Mesnil Imbert, Le Renouard

Newly converted stone and colombage stable set amongst other former cider farm buildings in the heart of the Pays d'Auge. A comfortable and stylish holiday home for four, combining modern facilities with traditional features, where you can enjoy the tranquility of this region, the wealth of wildlife, fabulous local produce and fascinating history. Our charming gite is situated near to our own holiday home and two other colombage (half timbered) buildings, once forming a cider farm. The large, secluded garden is a haven for wildlife and we offer the use of a bat detector, a range of wildlife books and even a moth trap for study (by prior arrangement). The garden features a wildlife pond and leads down to a small river. The property is opposite a ruined church, once frequented by Charlotte Corday, famous from the time of the French Revolution. Nearby are opportunities for cider and calvados tasting as well as the famous Normandy cheese villages of Camembert and Livarot. The fields are full of apple trees and Normandy spotted cows. The area is also fascinating for those interested in Normandy's WWII history. Guests have use of the large garden, mainly grassed with a number of mature fruit and ornamental trees. There is a wildlife pond, home to many species and the garden leads down to the small, tree-lined River Monne. We visit our holiday home, across the garden from L'Ecurie, approximately once a month for a few days. If we are there, we are available if needed but aim to give guests space. If we are not there, we have local help available and are also readily contactable for advice and support. Le Renouard is a friendly commune with residents and second home owners from many nationalities. It is mostly extremely peaceful and quiet, with little passing traffic apart from farm vehicles. L'Ecurie, Le Mesnil Imbert was once a stable and formed part of a cider farm, where calvados was also made. There is still an old apple press and 'auge' within the large and beautiful barn. Local farms still produce milk for Camembert and other Normandy cheeses from the pretty spotted cows, grazing beneath cider apple trees. Situated a few kilometres from the nearest towns, the night sky offers amazing views of starry skies and often, all you can hear are the sounds of wildlife - owls, crickets, frogs and toads .. Nearby, there are many interesting places to visit, fabulous local markets and brocantes, as well as historical sites ranging from ancient history to medieval chateaux to WW2 sites. Wildlife species to spot include deer, wild boar, swallowtail butterflies, bats of many species, hares, turtle doves, hoopoes and many more. In spring, the roadsides are covered with cowslips, primroses and other beautiful wildflowers, which follow the carpets of snowdrops lining the River Monne in February. Parking is available next to the gite. There is no public transport in Le Renouard, although buses travel to nearby Crouttes. The nearest railways stations are at Argentan and Liseaux.